Chapter 4

The Millers' stock price took a nosedive, so Gideon and Miriam were too busy to bother about me. I finally got a few days of peace for once. But what was meant to come would eventually come. A message from Gideon popped up. It was a photo of Mom gambling away the support she'd gotten from me a few days ago. His message read: "You're a smart person, Janice. Your inappropriate remarks a few days ago have caused quite a bit of damage to the Millers. You know what to do." Mom and I had always depended on each other. She was extremely prideful. Back when Dad left our family for someone else, she would take it out on me whenever someone mocked her. Now, with everyone on the internet criticizing me, I became the person she hated the most. I didn't blame her for trying to distance herself from me. I couldn't just stand by and watch her get hurt. Eventually, I gave in. … Millions of people flooded in as soon as I turned on the livestream. Gideon sent me a message, saying: "You know what you should and shouldn't say." I simply replied: "Fuck off." The comment section was flooded with questions—some were firmly defending me, while others were rooting for Gideon and Miriam. "There's not a single good scion out there! It's not the first time they've cheated in a relationship!" "Good luck, miss. We believe in you!" "That's here? The Millers are so powerful. He could just find anyone he likes. Is there any need for him to cheat on her? She's probably just trying to blackmail Gideon Miller." "Gideon Miller is rich, not blind. I'd have picked Miriam Hoffman too if I was him!" "Just listen to me, miss—it's not easy being the wife of the wealthy. You should just date me instead." I finally spoke up amidst the eager viewers. "I started this livestream just to apologize to everyone. I'm sorry for deceiving all of you." Confusion flooded the comment section. I continued, "I did get into a relationship with Mr. Gideon Miller for a few years, but that was all in the past. Ms. Miriam Hoffman and Mr. Gideon Miller are well-matched, and it was my own unwillingness to accept this that led to this whole mess. "Once again, I sincerely apologize to anyone who's been hurt by me. I'm sorry." The comments changed sides in an instant—they were all cursing at me now. However, I had seen so much of those nasty words that I was now numb to them. The livestream ended abruptly. Someone was knocking on the door. I curled up on the couch, no longer caring who was at the door. It did not matter whether they were looking for me, or happened to knock on the wrong door. I could hear the sound of the fingerprint lock unlocking. A tall figure came closer and sat in front of me—I knew it was Gideon. He said, "Thanks for being understanding. I've already transferred the villa in the east of the city to your name. Just consider it as compensation for everything. I can still act like nothing ever happened as long as you're willing to do the same." Gideon knew how to provoke me best. Upon noting my silence, he continued, "After all, after this incident, no one else would dare to touch you other than me." I sat up from the couch, quietly walked over to him, and slapped him hard. Gideon's lips curled up slightly as he touched his cheek, where I had just slapped him. He seemed oddly satisfied. "You're so shameless!" I hissed. Gideon grabbed my wrist and smiled. "You knew that all along." I screamed hysterically, "Fuck off!" Gideon picked up his blazer and placed a card on the table. "There's five million in the account. Spend it however you like." The emotional turmoil over the past few days must have taken its toll. Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain shot through my stomach, and warm fluid began to flow down my legs. I managed to dial the emergency number before I lost consciousness. Maybe this was for the best. Gideon and I would be completely done for good now.